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A Weekend in Alaska

An October 2000 trip to Anchorage by avalanche

An account of our whirlwind tour of Alaska, including Anchorage, Alyeska, and Talkeetna.

  • 10 reviews

A Weekend in AlaskaBest of IgoUgo

Overview

On a sunny day, Mount McKinley is the most beautiful sight in the world; we had the good fortune of being in Alaska during two days with perfect weather. Although the most popular time to visit is summer, go after the summer rush and before the snow season starts (2nd week of October)for perfect weather. We got in Saturday night and stayed at the Sheraton, a great property with a fantastic restaurant. On Sunday we drove about 120 miles north to Talkeetna - an amazing little town with the perfect view of McKinley from the Talkeetna Alaska Lodge. Monday we toured the Kenai Peninsula, driving down the Seward Highway and snapping some pictures at Alyeska (in Girdwood) and Whittier. On Tuesday, unfortunately, it was time for us to return home.

Quick Tips:

1) Fly into Anchorage
2) Know where you're staying - we saw quite a few run-down motels both in and out of Anchorage
3) Talkeetna - go to the lodge and eat at the restaurant, then visit the town

Best Way To Get Around:

In Anchorage, stay somewhere downtown such as the Sheraton, Marriott, or Captain Cook so that you are within walking distance of the Cook Inlet and downtown. Rent a car and when the urge hits you, just take a road and drive...

Sheraton Anchorage HotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Sheraton Anchorage"

The hotel was great - beautiful lobby, great views from every room, friendly staff, and a nice restaurant. The only downside was the location. Although it was downtown, it was about 1½ miles to the inlet and Elderberry Park, and is the easternmost of the 3 brand-name hotels. There is a full exercise room, not one of those wimpy rooms with a stairmasters, a TV, and mirrors to make it seem bigger - this one has several weight machines, free weights, treadmills, stair machines, and an exercise bike. If you have a car, you must stay here; if you don't, still consider it.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by avalanche on October 11, 2000

Sheraton Anchorage Hotel
401 E 6TH AVE Anchorage, Alaska 99501
907-276-8700

Ptarmigan Bar & GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Ptarmigan Bar & Grill"

Saturday night we had seafood chowder and crab cakes. Both were reasonably priced ($4.50 and $7.95, respectively) and both were great. The chowder was rich and creamy and the crab cakes were full of crab, although they might have been better cooked a little less and formed thicker rather than flatter.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by avalanche on October 11, 2000

Ptarmigan Bar & Grill
401 East 6th Avenue Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 276-8700

Foraker Dining Room at the Talkeetna Alaska LodgeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This establishment offered an amazing setting, nestled in the Talkeetna mountains approximately 40 air miles south of Mount McKinley. We both had the Halibut sandwich - it was well prepared, although the seasoning didn't come through very well... but then again I'm not one for subtle food. Go for the view - the food isn't anything extraordinary, but when the clouds clear away and the giant figure of McKinley rises out of the blue, you're left in a feeling of awe.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by avalanche on October 11, 2000

Foraker Dining Room at the Talkeetna Alaska Lodge
Mile 12.5 Talkeetna Spur Road Anchorage, Alaska

Ptarmigan Bar & GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Ptarmigan Bar & Grill"

Sunday night, I enjoyed the smoked halibut caesar salad and my mom had the broiled chicken breast. This was the second time I'd had halibut, and I must say I am now searching far and wide for the smoked product after tasting it. The waitstaff is very friendly at the restaurant, and the food is all very well prepared.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by avalanche on October 11, 2000

Ptarmigan Bar & Grill
401 East 6th Avenue Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 276-8700

PantryBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Pantry at the Captain Cook Hotel"

The waitstaff seemed rather frazzled when we went - and instead of refilling my water when it was empty, they brought me a second glass so they only had to come when both were empty. The food itself was alright - I had halibut (yet again!) and chips, like fish and chips, and it was cooked perfectly. The only thing that I have found with most restaurants in Alaska is that they don't use salt even in small amounts, and I think at least a tiny bit should be added during the cooking process to enhance flavour.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by avalanche on October 11, 2000

Pantry
939 West Fifth Ave Anchorage, Alaska 99501
+1 907 276 6000; +1

Moose's Tooth Pub and PizzeriaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Moose's Tooth Pizza & Pub"

A pizza parlor and a brewhouse in one. We ate out in the tent - a must for out-of-towners, and go for the Popeye pizza. They brew their own root beer, ginger ale, and cream soda in addition to beer. Best pizza in Alaska.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by avalanche on October 11, 2000

Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzeria
3300 Old Seward Highway Anchorage, Alaska 99503
+1 907 258 2537

Chugach State ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Chugach State Park & Seward Highway Scenic Byway"

Drive down from Anchorage then turn into the town of Girdwood and visit Alyeska ski resort. On the way back, stop and take pictures at the lookouts of gorgeous Turnagain arm and the Chugach mountains. If you want, take one of the many hiking trails off the inland side of the road. Warning: don't venture out onto the 'beach'... it's silt and acts as quicksand - there's a fence there for a reason.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by avalanche on October 11, 2000

Chugach State Park
Mile 115 Seward Highway Anchorage, Alaska 99587
+1 907 694 2108

Elderberry ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

From the park, on a sunny day, you can see both Mount Foraker and McKinley. It's located on the Cook Inlet, across from the plateau-topped Mount Susitna. Farther in the background are the fully snow-covered Alaska Range - seemingly melting into the clouds. Bonus: if you have kids (or kids at heart), the park's a great one.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by avalanche on October 11, 2000

Elderberry Park
western end of 5th Ave Anchorage, Alaska

Mount McKinleyBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

From the Talkeetna Alaska Lodge, there is a perfect view of McKinley and the mountains of Denali National Park. The drive up is breathtaking, especially the last 12 miles to Talkeetna off Highway 3.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by avalanche on October 11, 2000

Mount McKinley
located within Denali National Park Anchorage, Alaska
(907) 683-2294

About the Writer

avalanche
avalanche
Plano, Texas

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